Introduction

"Kia Ora Haere Mai"- Hello and welcome to an unforgettable experience with friendly Kiwis, professional instructors, cultural specialists, nature-based adventurers, spectacular scenery and lots of outdoor activities – join our team as we journey through the magnificent South Island of New Zealand (Aotearoa).

Open to Australian and New Zealand school students aged between 11 and 17 years old*, the outdoor adventure program immerses students in the cultures, traditions and adventurous spirit on offer in New Zealand.

This September, you will visit the world-renowned slopes of Queenstown skiing or snowboarding (you choose), exploring this country's beautiful scenic natural wonders with trained and qualified instructors, experiencing the rivers, lakes and oceans, as well as being immersed in the traditional culture and oral traditions of the Maori (Tangata Whenua).

It is the perfect opportunity learn new skills and develop your leadership potential through hands on activities and workshops - all whilst having fun! Serious Fun!

Supported and backed up by our Wellington Office (NZ Team), this program is designed with student wellbeing and welfare as the core focus. Through the outcomes-focused itinerary, students will learn more about themselves and one another, and hopefully experience massive character growth!

This camp is Duke of Edinburgh Award Eligible for both the Adventurous Journey and the Residential Project for Individual or groups of students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of qualifications do your staff have?

We work with thousands of students every year, running school camps for Australian schools. With that responsibility we must adhere to strict guidelines and regulations set by the relevant authorities such as the Ministry of Education, Department of Education, IATA and the Adventure Activity Standards. Minimum staff qualifications are listed below:

Teaching Degree (Bachelor of Education)

Outdoor Education (Cert 3 in Outdoor Recreation)

Wilderness First Aid

Working with Children Check and National Police Clearance

Minimum 2 years experience in educating children

OutBeyond student wellbeing and outdoor leadership certification

For a full list of staff qualifications please contact us directly.

What are your staff ratios and supervision policies?

As set by the Department of Education and in conjunction with the AAS guidelines, OutBeyond assumes duty of care for the entirety of the program.

Our staff ratios are maintained at a minimum of 1:7 students to adults.

Students are under constant supervision by our program staff and never left unaccompanied during program activities.

How much personal spending money will my child need?

Unless you want them to bring an expensive souvenir home, not much. Ultimately it’s your choice how much you’d like to give your camper - OutBeyond recommends around $5 - $10 per day.

Can I hear from other parents who have sent their children on your camps?

Yes, of course, search our website for parents feedback, or give us a call and we will gladly put you in touch.

Can I hear from other parents who have sent their children on your camps?

Head over to our volunteer page or book a family adventure with us!

What are the general ages of other students that attend?

The program allows for students aged between 11 years old and 17 years old to attend. The most common age range is between 13 - 15 years old.

Students that are slightly older, aged 16 - 17 are normally attending our program to complete their Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - which means they have to meet a few set criteria and make the most out of their program to complete their award component.

Parents are encouraged to discuss their child's age and needs with our staff. In some circumstances, students aged 10 years old* may attend, pending their experience with travel, school camps and parent permission and advice.

Where will the be staying overnight?

Just like our School Camps, we only use accredited group accommodation facilities that have undergone additional in-house risk assessment by our schools program operational planning team. These centres have dormitory style rooms.

For International Programs (CHINA) we also utilise 4* hotel accommodation where appropriate.

Our accommodation policy is to allocate rooms by gender, manage the proximity between rooms and group students into appropriate age levels.

What does my child need to bring?

A full camper equipment list will be provided upon receiving your booking confirmation. The items on the camper equipment list are similar to most other camps that your child/student has attended.

OutBeyond will provide all camping, outdoor and activity equipment such as; Tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, safety equipment, etc. Campers are welcome to bring their own personal outdoor/camp/travel equipment, we just ask that is of suitable standard for our outdoor adventures.

Click here to see a "sample camper equipment list".

Are you equipped to handle my child’s medical requirements?

OutBeyond has an inclusive model for all camper medical requirements, however we are limited in some instances in the service we can provide for some high-dependency medical and physical requirements. We do our very best to tailor experiences if needed, a conversation with our Operations staff will be required in these instances. For all medical requirements, you must fully disclose your camper’s medical requirements and provide our team with your medical management plan, medication and any other items we may need in order for our staff to deliver a safe and enjoyable experience.

Can you cater to my child’s dietary needs?

Great question. We are glad you asked. Yes, of course we deal with varied dietary requirements / restrictions and enjoy supporting and providing parents and students with peace of mind. Food is one of the most important factors of camp enjoyment.

Just notify us of the dietary requirements and we will ensure that they are met.

Can my child/student bring their mobile phone?

Yes. We want you to be able to stay in touch with your child/student and enjoy their journey too which is available through our staff on the ground who you will have direct access to via phone. At the end of each day, campers will have 'allocated phone time' which is usually in the evening for no more than half an hour. Phones will be kept safe and stored by OB staff during the day. Students that want to take photos can use the team cameras.

OutBeyond reserves the right to remove phones from campers when it is interfering with camp activities and quality group engagement.

Please note: Parents and Carers will be given the direct contact details of the program coordination staff to contact our friendly team members at any time.

What kind of food will they eat?

We are passionate about healthy eating and positive nutrition for children. We have adopted the principles of the Healthy Eating Association. We believe in food provenance and educating children on where their food comes from. Local produce and eating local has many broader community benefits.

Students will eat 3 meals per day, with plenty of fresh snacks for morning and afternoon tea.

How will I be able to contact my Child?

Want to get in touch? No problems, just give the assigned program coordinator a call and they will happily pass on any message or put your child/student on the phone. As said above in section 5, campers will have set times in which they can contact you. We do try and limit communication as a way of having our campers build on their independence but we of course are happy to have a plan in place on your advice if needed.

How do I know my child will be safe?

Camper safety and wellbeing is our number one priority. As mentioned above, we work with thousands of Australian school students every year. OutBeyond is an accredited outdoor education and travel provider endorsed by the Australian Federal Government’s Austrade Future Unlimited License to deliver international education experiences to students. Our program locations, venues and activities undergo regular safety and risk assessment prior, during and after the successful delivery of camp. We have taken all reasonable measures to ensure that we adhere to the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic.).

What is your refund policy?

Does my child need vaccinations?

No, not for New Zealand, however vaccinations are a personal choice. We recommend researching the Smart Traveller Australian Government website when considering vaccinations for your child/students.

Does my child need travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance is a requirement of attending an OutBeyond program Internationally.

We work with our own preferred travel insurance provider which is linked to DFAT and smart traveller.

Our planning team can assist you with your campers personal travel insurance requirements.

Alternatively, some parents opt to use their own preferred supplier of travel insurance.

Can I meet my child in country?

Yes, you can, however only after the program ends. We will arrange a collection point which is typically at the departure airport and of course we cannot allow students to remain unattended at any point if this was to be arranged. Please note that this will not result in a price reduction as the prices are fixed.

Does my child need vaccinations?

When travelling to third-world countries, vaccinations are a personal choice. We recommend researching the smart traveller Australian Government website when considering vaccinations for your child/students.

Can my child travel first class? What are the transportation arrangements?

Only if you are happy to book out the front of the entire plane so that other students can also travel first class, then the answer is Yes. :)

What happens if my child/student is overseas on camp, and they get sick?

All OutBeyond programs destinations have 24-hour emergency backup support staff in place, with Doctors and nurses on call to handle any and all medical concerns. We are never too far from medical assistance and remain within 1 hour of definitive care (ie. Under 1 hour from Medical Support) If your camper falls sick, our staff will manage the situation, providing care and support, as well as a call home to inform you of the situation and next steps.

Every team also carries an extensive First Aid and Medical Kit to enable thorough management of medical symptoms that may arise whilst travelling. Leaders all hold Wilderness First Aid Qualifications, and both Leaders and Teachers are trained on the contents of the medical kits and how to deal with sickness while overseas.

I am from interstate or another country, does my child have to depart onboard the flight from Melbourne Airport for these programs?

Yes, Melbourne Airport is the departing Airport for the camper group. However, please ask our friendly team members if we can accommodate your needs further.

Can I meet my child in New Zealand?

Yes, you can, however only after the program ends. We will arrange a collection point which is typically at the departure airport.

Will my child need a visa?

If you are an Australian Citizen, No. If you are outside Australia, please check with your relevant countries’ authority if you are required to obtain a VISA. To travel between Australia and New Zealand you do need a passport.

Do we have a staff member that can speak the local language?

Yes, we speak Kiwi. Fush and Chups!

What is included in the cost of this program?

Return airfares

All food, accommodation and transport for the duration of the trip.

Adventure activities unique to each destination.

These may include hiking, skiing/snowboarding, cycling, rafting, snorkelling, camping, community service and more!

Refer to the Program Itinerary for more information.

Support and guidance in the lead up to departure.

24-hour emergency backup and support from our Australian-based Operations Team and from local staff overseas, for the duration of the trip.

How much does it cost?

Our New Zealand Camps are $2,900.00 AUD per camper

Want to book more than 1 place? Special rates are available for group bookings of 6 campers and above. Enquire directly about group discounts

Returning camper? No worries, we've got a special 5% discount for you. Give us a call to redeem your Promo Code.

I am from interstate or another country, does my child have to fly from Melbourne for these programs?

Yes, Melbourne Airport is the departing Airport for the camper group. However, please ask our friendly team members if we can accommodate your needs further.

Itinerary

Itinerary

Program Planning. Pre-departure workshopDay 0

OutBeyond Facilitators will meet with the student group 2 weeks before the group is booked to travel. This will assist students, parents and staff with planning and preparing for their camp program. It’s also the time when students are given ownership and responsibility of their camp program and meet the OutBeyond staff and teachers who will be travelling with the group.

Fly to NZ - Start Exploring!Day 1

Departing from Melbourne Airport, the group will travel to the adventure capital, Queenstown. The team will use the day to plan and prepare for their upcoming journey, having a light day before they launch into the adventure activities Queenstown is famous for.

Ski the RemarkablesDay 2

Less than 1 hour from the centre of Queenstown, The Remarkables Ski fields are among the best in New Zealand for skiers and boarders of any level. Professional instructors for the team and tailored classes will give them the best chance of learning (or progressing) their skills on the slopes.

Ski the Remarkables #2Day 3

Back at the Remarkables Ski Fields, our team will be building on their skills from the previous day’s mountain experience. Joined again by our professional instructors, the team have the opportunity to move up to a more advanced lesson. Great opportunity for the team to push their new skill even further and help each other improve.

West Coast via WanakaDay 4

The team will depart Queenstown and head North to Wanaka before turning West to the coast. Winding their way through varying environments like river-cut canyons, snow capped peaks, enormous lakes and finally through the temperate forest to the Western Beaches. This journey highlights how diverse the landscapes and environments are on the South Island.

Whataroa Valley River ExplorationDay 5

Whataroa Valley may be easy but the team will quickly see how remote it feels. It is a place they can feel like they are in a Valley that has not been set foot in before. Here is the location for the hit film “Hunt For the Wilderpeople” and is an incredible environment for exploration.

Cultural Immersion Day 6

Through hands-on activities and cultural immersion, students will be fortunate enough to gain a deeper understanding of Maori culture. We will participate in fun and engaging activities, and learn about tikanga (rules) and kawa (protocol) on the Marae. Students will participate in cultural activities, learn about tradition and meet with local kaumatua (elders) to connect with and care for the land (papatuanuku) and sea (tangaroa), and the forest (tane).

Climbing/Abseiling Castle HillDay 7

Exploring Central South Island will see the group enter a totally unique environment. Here they will take part in some team building activities as well as an amazing climbing and abseiling experience. This is a great chance for the team to push themselves and each other, celebrating the improvements together. Stay the night in the foothills of Mt. Hutt for an incredible stargazing opportunity.

Trekking at Lake TekapoDay 8

Trekking or “Tramping” is a huge part of exploring New Zealand and the Hooker Valley Walk in the Lake Tekapo region will be the team’s next adventure. Working as a team, developing their navigation skills and taking in the surrounding environment is all part of the experience in Lake Tekapo before Free-camping lakeside for the night.

Return to the Adventure Capital - QueenstownDay 9

After a sunrise walk along Lake Pukaki, the team will make their way back to Queenstown for their final night in New Zealand. Once settled in, the team will get their adventure fill with the Downhill Luge Experience at Bob’s Peak. For their final night, the team will have the chance to present and share some of their experiences during their time in New Zealand. A video and photo presentation of Student-captured Content will be on display and shared as a souvenir of their time with OutBeyond.

Goodbye for now, NZ!Day 10

The group will prepare for departure, not before they are given the chance to explore the adventure capital of NZ, Queenstown. Students will be given the option of an Adventure activity, Zipptrekking through the treetops of the South Island. One last chance to grab a souvenir as a reminder of the trip. Departing Queenstown, the team will catch the evening flight to Melbourne and depart what has been an amazing OutBeyond program.